GelMOD is a complex, general-purpose computer based model used for aquaculture management and general predictions of occurrences of jellyplankton. The model, which can be applied to general shallow water coastal regions, simulates the transport of jellyplankton larvae due to: tidal, wave, wind and Coriolis induced currents.
The transport model uses the finite different method to advect particles throughout the specified domain. Each particle, representing jellyplankton biomass, is given the characteristics of the jellyplankton larvae at various stages of its development. Thus while particles are being advected by the transport module, life-cycle evolution also takes place in parallel routines. The effects of environment, if relevant, on the jellyplankton evolution are incorporated into the model. Effects to be considered are temperature, salinity and nutrient availability.
This new model has high temporal and spatial resolutions model grid spacing can be as close as 50m and a timestep as low as 30seconds are used. This, along with the incorporation of the life-cycle history, is a major advancement in the development of tools for predicting and managing the marine environment.